The pilot of the FDNY fireboat that was involved in a fatal collision with another vessel leading to the death of a visiting Belgian firefighter has quietly retired on a boosted, three-quarters-pay disability pension. Firefighter Thomas Waller retired after 22 years on the job and will receive a tax-exempt pension of at least $110,000 yearly. This retirement follows a U.S. Coast Guard probe that highlighted the pilot’s reckless operation in the crash.
The incident exposed a long history of misuse of FDNY fireboats, typically meant for medical emergencies, being used to entertain friends and relatives of high-ranking officers. The tragic collision occurred after a retired FDNY captain requested to take the fireboat on a sightseeing trip with his visiting Belgian friend and both their wives. Waller was assigned to pilot the impromptu trip that ultimately led to the fatal accident.
According to the Coast Guard’s report, the fireboat was speeding at a top speed of 28 mph while a nearby pleasure boat was cruising at 6 mph, leading to the collision that caused the death of the visiting firefighter. Beernaert died of blunt force injuries to the head when the pleasure boat collided with the fireboat. Others aboard the fireboat suffered minor injuries and were treated.
Under FDNY pension rules, disability benefits for accidental injuries in the line of duty cannot be collected as a result of one’s negligence. Normally, FDNY retirees receive pensions based on half the average of their last three years’ salaries, while a disability pension pays 75%. Waller’s retirement and disability pension are raising questions about accountability in the department and the allocation of taxpayer money.
The crash led to several personnel being shifted to desk duties or transferred out of the FDNY’s marine division. However, no disciplinary charges were filed, which could potentially have led to a denial of a disability pension. The public has been demanding transparency regarding the use and allocation of FDNY funds, especially in cases like this where a tragic accident led to significant repercussions for all involved.
The widow of the visiting firefighter who was killed in the collision has filed a lawsuit against both the city and the company that owned the pleasure boat involved in the crash. Despite the tragedy, there has been no personal claim filed against the retired pilot Waller. The case is still ongoing, and the judge has suggested private mediation to seek a possible settlement. The events surrounding the retirement and pension of Waller have stirred controversy and highlighted the need for accountability and transparency within the FDNY.
